Lawmakers pay tribute to Ohio agriculture

Members of the House and Senate convene during a joint legislative committee meeting held at the Ohio State Fair.

Photo submitted

COLUMBUS — Members of the Ohio Senate Agriculture Committee experienced a change of scenery recently, replacing suits and ties with short sleeves and boots as they convened during a special committee meeting held at the Ohio State Fair.

Surrounded by the sites, sounds and even smells of the Ohio State Fair, legislators met in the Donahey Nationwide Agriculture and Horticulture Building on the Ohio State Fairgrounds. State Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City) who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee was accompanied by Committee Chairman Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) and other members of the House and Senate for the special meeting.

“The meeting was an opportunity for legislators to showcase Ohio’s vibrant agriculture and natural resources industries,” said Beagle. “Holding the meeting at this unique venue allowed fairgoers to interact with lawmakers and listen to updates from various state officials.”

The meeting featured updates from government, industry and academic leaders on issues that affect Ohio agriculture and the Ohio State Fair.

Speakers included Lt. Governor Mary Taylor; Tom Price, Chairman of the Ohio Expositions Commission; Virgil Strickler, General Manager of the Ohio State Fair; Craig Butler, Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; Dave Daniels, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture; Jim Zehringer, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Jack Fisher, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; Dr. Bruce McPheron, Dean of The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Jim Chakeres, Executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association; and members of the Ohio State Fair’s Junior Fair Board.

In addition to the Ohio State Fair which runs through August 9, several local county fairs are scheduled throughout August and September:

Preble County Fair

August 1 – August 8

www.preblecountyfair.org

Miami County Fair

August 14 – August 20

www.miamicountyohiofair.com

Darke County Fair

August 21 – August 29

www.darkecountyfair.com

Montgomery County Fair

September 2 – September 7

www.montcofair.com

Members of the House and Senate convene during a joint legislative committee meeting held at the Ohio State Fair.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2015/08/web1_Lawmakers.jpgMembers of the House and Senate convene during a joint legislative committee meeting held at the Ohio State Fair.Photo submitted

Staff Report

Senator Bill Beagle serves the people of Ohio’s 5th Senate District, which includes Miami and Preble Counties as well as portions of Montgomery and Darke Counties. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Beagle

Senator Bill Beagle serves the people of Ohio’s 5th Senate District, which includes Miami and Preble Counties as well as portions of Montgomery and Darke Counties. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Beagle